Once in a lifetime
Posted March 21, 2022 at 6:47 pm by Jeff Arnim
EDC presenting Maritime Career Fair on March 31
Posted March 21, 2022 at 3:40 pm by San Juan Update
The San Juan County Economic Development Council shares some news about the virtual Maritime Career Fair they are presenting next week.
People interested in careers on the water are invited to join the EDC for an online Maritime Career Fair on Thursday, March 31 from noon to 1 p.m. You will learn about seafaring careers that work here in San Juan County. Presenters will include a representative from the whale watch and boat insurance industries, a representative from Puget Sound Pilots, representatives from Washington State Ferries, and others.
The meeting will be held via Zoom so you can attend from anywhere, even with just your phone. To register, please visit the EDC’s website. Participants must be 18 years old or older. For more information, email the EDC Trades Coordinator at mickey@sanjuansedc.org.
Residents of San Juan County who attend the career fair are invited to apply for coaching and financial support to defray costs of obtaining their Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). The EDC will pay for successful applicants’ TWIC card and MMC applications, and for the Coast Guard physical and drug test, and will assist applicants through the process. The number of awards will depend on funds available, and the EDC gratefully invites donors to support the program.
County Council agenda for March 22
Posted March 21, 2022 at 8:47 am by Jeff Arnim
The San Juan County Council will hold a second regular meeting this week on Tuesday, March 22 at 9 a.m. The Council will hold two public hearings, including time for public comment:
- Approving a resolution to dispose of surplus County personal property by direct sale
- Continuing an ordinance of adopting amendments to the Personnel Policy Manual to Tuesday, April 5
Items up for discussion or action include:
- 2021 fourth quarter financial report
- Precinct changes, scheduling public hearing for Tuesday, April 19
- Considering an ordinance amending County Code 3.16 (Lodging Tax)
- American Rescue Plan Act update
- Acceptance by the Land Bank of a deed for the Hauschka Cady Mountain property
- Restoring the Land Bank Orcas Field Assistant position to 1.0 FTE
- Setting a public hearing for a code change for County Code 8.20 (Board of Health) for Tuesday, April 19
- Revise Table 18.30.040 (Allowable and prohibited uses in Rural, Resource and Special Land Designations) to allow government offices allowed by right in the RGU, RI and RC zoning districts and with conditional use permits in the RR, RFF, AG, FOR and C districts.
- Boards & Commissions Code of Conduct Policy
The meeting will also include a council and legislative update, an update from the County Manager, and an update from the Council Clerk. In addition, the Council will hold three non-public Executive sessions — one to discuss litigation with legal counsel, one to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee, and the other related to data security.
You can view the live stream of the meeting online or attend in person at the Council Legislative Hearing Room. Masks are required for in-person attendance. To make a public comment, sign up prior to 9 a.m. on March 22.
Notes from the Island — March 21
Posted March 21, 2022 at 6:00 am by Jeff Arnim
There’s a new storage facility located next to the old animal shelter building on Shelter Road. Call 360–298-8873 for more information.
Friday Harbor High School placed second in the state in the Computer Integrated Manufacturing competition at the 2022 Washington Technology Student Association annual conference last week.
Back by popular demand, the Family Resource Center’s outdoor playgroup for children three years of age or younger returns two weeks from today, April 4, at the Fairgrounds.
The San Juan Preservation Trust’s first Island Marble Butterfly project of the year takes place today. Volunteers will be seeding host plants at three habitat plots created for the butterfly. There are two sessions, both at Red Mill Farm. One is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the other goes from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
SJPT’s Ellis Preserve on Shaw Island re-opened last week. You can visit Thursday through Monday, from dawn to dusk, through the summer.
Gilligan’s Island Style E‑Bike Rentals is moving around the corner to 175 First Street, next to Aloha Friday Hawaiian BBQ.
The Jolly Trolley business is for sale due to health reasons. The owners are offering a great price for the upcoming busy season, which starts in April. For more details call 360–298-8873.
Have something to share with the Island? Whether the news is big or small, let us know!
Rain on the windshield at Turn Point County Park
Posted March 20, 2022 at 7:42 pm by Jeff Arnim
United Way of San Juan County provides $81,000 in support to local organizations
Posted March 20, 2022 at 4:15 pm by San Juan Update
United Way of San Juan County shares an update about funds they recently provided to several local organizations, including the San Juan Island Family Resource Center, the San Juan Island School District, Meals on Wheels, and Island Rides.
We are proud to announce that United Way of San Juan County allocated $81,000 to seven local non-profits and a school district serving San Juan County residents this year. The allocations were made possible by donations during the 2021 United Way of San Juan County fundraising. We greatly appreciate the generosity of our donors, especially during such a difficult and sometimes volatile time.
“These allocations may help a child struggling in school, a cold weather shelter for the homeless, or an elder needing help with transportation to remain independent in their home,” said UWSJC President William Morrissey. “Imagine the impact you can have with your donation. The number of needs continues to grow, but we are proud to live in a generous community that takes care of their own.”
We have experienced incredible demonstrations of compassion, hope, resilience, kindness and gratitude from the organizations and programs we support. Continue Reading
County Council agenda for March 21
Posted March 20, 2022 at 2:05 pm by Jeff Arnim
The San Juan County Council will hold a regular meeting on Monday, March 21 at 9 a.m. Items up for discussion or action include:
- Washington State Ferries and Ferry Advisory Committee
- Community Health Services van purchase and retrofit proposal
- Fairgrounds solar project and funding update
- MacKaye Harbor road relocation project update
- Authorization of FEMA hazard mitigation grant submittal
The Council will also hold a non-public Executive session to discuss litigation or potential litigation with legal counsel.
You can view the live stream of the meeting online or attend in person at the Council Legislative Hearing Room. Masks are required for in-person attendance. To make a public comment, sign up prior to 9 a.m. on March 21.
Notes from the Island — March 20
Posted March 20, 2022 at 6:00 am by Jeff Arnim
The Friday Harbor High School PTA is hosting a bake sale fundraiser during next week’s FHHS production of Footloose, from Thursday through Sunday — and they need people to bake things like cupcakes, cookies and brownies.
The Garden Center at Browne’s has a new delivery of veggies, fruits, shrubs, perennials and houseplants.
Last Saturday’s Desolation Sound concert at San Juan Community Theatre raised $2,053 for the Family Resource Center and SJCT.
The library has some new additions to its games collection, thanks to the Spiel Foundation.
Vinny’s Ristorante re-opened last night. Going forward they’ll be open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m.
The Vic’s Drive In building is still for sale, but the price has been dropped over $200,000, from $1.2 million to $995,000.
Have something to share with the Island? Whether the news is big or small, let us know!